De Stefano will be entering his second full season of first grade. He usually plays in the halves or at hooker, although Bridge indicated he may pop up in any spot on the field this year.

"Toby's strength is his running game and I want to make full use of that,'' Bridge explained.

He'll play five-eighth for tomorrow's opening round clash against Wauchope at Wauchope on Saturday, with Bridge at halfback. However Bridge will have to manage his troublesome knees and concedes it's unlikely he'll play every match.

He's undergone three reconstructions in 10 years, including two on his right knee, which causes him the most concern.

"There's no cartilage there, so it does blow up,'' Bridge explained.

"I'll be sitting some games out and Toby will play halfback then.''

The Bulls will be without Dean Mills tomorrow because of cricket commitments while prop Matt Taupe is unavailable. Bridge intends to play Mills in the halves this season.

Bridge will move Josh Northam up from the second row to cover for Taupe and the move will be permanent.

"I think Josh is better suited there and that's where he wants to play,'' Bridge explained.

North Coast representative winger Jake Lauder will switch to fullback. Lauder had been linked to Old Bar, but will be sticking with the Bulls and Bridge expects the experience he gained playing for North Coast under 23s will be beneficial.

Newcomer Rob Mason, who was impressive in Taree's only pre-season hitout, will start from the bench.

"I'll be looking for a bit of impact after 20 to 25 minutes and Rob will give us that,'' Bridge explained.

He's also expecting to get big minutes from livewire hooker Oscar Carey.

"That's where most of our attack will come from and I'll be looking to get 80 minutes out of Oscar - he's fit enough,'' Bridge said.

However, he agreed Wauchope will be a tough hurdle first-up for the Bulls, especially on their home track.

"It'll be a good early test for us,'' he said.

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